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Author Notes: I have recently really enjoyed cooking with whole grains, rye berries, spelt and millet. They are really delicious and different to work with. I have been trying to find ways to incorporate them into dishes and not just for breakfast. —thirschfeld

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Serves 4

Creamy White Wheat Berry Porridge

1
cup white wheat berries

1
tablespoon unsalted butter

1 1/2
teaspoons minced fresh garlic

1/2
cup heavy cream

1/3
cup minced green onion

1
cup grated parmesan

Kosher salt and fresh ground white pepper

Place the wheat berries in a 3 quart pot. Cover with water by two inches. Bring the water to a boil and boil for two minutes and then turn off the heat. Cover the pot and let sit for two hours.

Drain the wheat berries in a colander or strainer. In a sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and once you smell it add the cream. Add the berries and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and warm the berries and let the cream reduce and thicken. Add the parmesan and stir. Taste for seasoning. Add kosher salt and fresh ground white pepper if needed.

Eggplant Stew

1/4
cup olive oil

3
cups 1/2 inch diced eggplant, about two medium eggplants

1
cup diced onion

2
tablespoons minced garlic

16
ounces tomato sauce, I used home made from my garden

1
tablespoon red wine vinegar

1
bunch fresh basil, chiffonade

1
tablespoon red wine vinegar

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

1
teaspoon Dijon mustard

2
teaspoons balsamic vinegar

3
tablespoons olive oil

2
handfuls fresh baby spinach or arugala

Place a three quart pot over high heat. When it is hot add the oil, which should shimmer, and immediately add the eggplant and onions. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Let onions and eggplant caramelize. You may need to add more olive oil if the pot dries out. Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic. Cook until fragrant and then add the tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and let simmer until thickened. Add the red wine vinegar and basil, stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Keep the wheat berries and eggplant hot but don't let it scorch. In a mixing bowl whisk the Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar. While whisking slowly add the olive oil. Whisk until emulsified. If it doesn't emulsify it will still work. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the spinach with the dressing. Add the green onions to the wheat berry porridge and stir.

To plate, place nice portion of the wheat berry porridge onto the center of a plate, top with eggplant stew and then some of the spinach. The spinach will wilt from the heat of the stew.

This sounds so interesting. I can't wait to try it. Unfortunately my family is in the throws of moving but when we get settled I'll start cooking with a vengeance. I think I'll put this at the top of my list. I'm always challenged with coming up with colorful, new vegetarian recipes for my family. This will certainly fit the bill.

Thank you, Tom, for this incredible recipe, it has become a family favorite. You (well, ok, your recipes) have actually gotten me cooking for the first time in my married life (32 years and counting). I am having a blast using Food52, and especially enjoy reading your new weekly farm report.